NAS Pensacola Terrorist Attack Survivor Speaks at Baptist Health Care Event

11/15/2024

Ryan Blackwell, a survivor of the NAS Pensacola Naval Air Station Terrorist Attack, recently spoke at Baptist Health Care’s annual physician symposium. Ryan recounted his heroic story from the day of the attack on December 6, 2019, that earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal of Heroism and a Purple Heart.

He shared his journey of healing and extended his sincere gratitude to Baptist Health Care physicians and other caregivers who helped him survive six gunshot injuries and helped him return to health. Ryan praised Baptist’s dedicated team members with saving his life and offered his encouragement to continue their good work.

“Remember you are powerful beyond measure and that anyone can accomplish anything as long as you find your goal or purpose and continue to fight for it,” he said.

Ryan opened a wrestling gym, Well Trained, located in Gulf Breeze, Florida one year after the events at NAS. As owner and coach at the gym, Blackwell teaches wrestling and works to instill the values of discipline, patience, and determination in others. This year, he and his family created the Ryan Blackwell Foundation to help people of all ages and backgrounds – with special emphasis on youth and veterans – have access to wellness, leisure and recreation for better mental and physical health.

For more information about the Ryan Blackwell Foundation visit, ryanblackwell.foundation.